Television Nigerian

192 officers nationwide have received training from the Nigeria Police Force on how to use the Athena Forensic Intelligence Solution (AFIS) in the fight against cybercrime.
From July 9 to August 15, 2025, officers from all 36 state commands, the Federal Capital Territory, and 10 specialized units participated in the training, which was organized in collaboration with Radio Tactics Group Limited.
The program’s goal, according to the Force, was to increase forensic and digital skills for better investigations.

In addition to recognizing threats, officers received training on how to retrieve and interpret data from satellite phones, GPS units, SIM cards, and other mobile devices.

They also possessed the ability to correlate operational data with intelligence records using forensic hotlists and biometric collection.

Read Also: Farotimi Slams ‘Statesman’ Label for IBB, Nigeria Calls on Nigeria to Stop Normalising Past Evils

In addition to stepping up its efforts to combat cybercrime, the police also reported that three suspects had been arrested.

Olalekan Oke, Dele Titus, and Gbenga Samuel were arrested for online fraud, identity theft, and cyberstalking in Abuja and Lagos.

According to investigations, the suspects hacked a WhatsApp account on July 18, 2025, contacted the owner, and demanded ₦3 million in order to prevent important material from being exposed.

Their arrest and the recovery of the compromised account resulted from forensic investigation that linked the activity to them.

In order to achieve international standards in combating cybercrime, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun reiterated that the Force will keep implementing digital strategies and enhancing officer training.

Dele Farotimi, a human rights lawyer and activist, has criticized the portrayal of former military president Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd.), also known as IBB, as a statesman, arguing that such praises merely serve to justify the “evils” he said were committed against Nigerians under Babangida’s rule.
In a succinct message posted on his verified 𝕏 account on Tuesday, Farotimi charged that Nigerians were using what he called mutual affirmation tactics to cleanse leaders with a dubious past.

Not exposing these vile cretins for what they are helps normalize the atrocities they have inflicted on the populace. This tactic of reciprocal affirmation has contributed to the persistence of evil. He wrote, “You can stop lying to yourself; IBB is not a statesman.”

Adesina’s Birthday Tribute That Generated Discussion
Farotimi’s remarks reportedly followed former African Development Bank President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina’s birthday greeting, in which he praised Babangida as one of Nigeria’s “foremost elder-statesmen.”

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As he celebrated the former military leader’s 84th birthday, Adesina wished him well and commended his “patriotic fervour, devotion, and commitment to Nigeria’s peace, unity, and progress.”

In his post, Adesina congratulated H.E. General Ibrahim Babangida, GCFR, the former Head of State of Nigeria, on his 84th birthday. You continue to motivate the country as one of Nigeria’s most important elder-statesmen with your unwavering loyalty, patriotic zeal, and unwavering dedication to the country’s peace, unity, and advancement. Complete service with resilience is what defines your existence. Today and always, may God bless you with excellent health, strength, vitality, and happiness, surrounded by the affection of your loved ones. Greetings on your birthday, sir! With love from Yemisi and myself, Akin

However, online responses to the public acclaim were mixed, with Farotimi being one of the most vocal opponents of what he perceives to be an effort to erase history.

Babangida’s Contentious Heritage
According to Naija News, IBB, who governed Nigeria from 1985 to 1993, is still regarded as one of the most divisive figures in the nation.

Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (MKO Abiola) was widely regarded as the winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which was annulled during his dictatorship.

Critics contend that his actions exacerbated poverty, strengthened corruption, and exacerbated Nigeria’s sociopolitical difficulties, despite his supporters’ frequent portrayal of him as a practical leader who implemented economic changes like the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP).

But Farotimi’s scathing remark has rekindled the argument on whether Nigerians should remember Babangida as a leader whose actions left the country with long-lasting wounds or as an elder statesman worthy of national honor.

Kidney dialysis in federal hospitals across the country is now 76 percent less expensive thanks to a federal government initiative that cut the average session cost from ₦50,000 to ₦12,000.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu authorized the new price policy, which is currently in place in ten federal medical centers and teaching hospitals nationwide, according to reports.
Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication Daniel Bwala revealed this on Monday, calling the intervention a significant relief for Nigerians suffering from kidney ailment.
Nigerian renal dialysis costs have been reduced thanks to a historic subsidy agreed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The cost of each dialysis session has been lowered from ₦50,000 to just ₦12,000 thanks to this initiative, which would help thousands of people suffering from kidney-related illnesses, Bwala stated.

Pilot Facilities in Six Geopolitical Regions
The statement claims that the program is being used in ten important facilities, such as:

Federal Medical Center (FMC), Ebute-Metta, Lagos Federal Medical Center (FMC), Jabi, Abuja University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan Federal Medical Center (FMC), Owerri University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Maiduguri Federal Medical Center (FMC), Abeokuta Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos Federal Medical Center (FMC), Azare University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Calabar Bwala said that additional federal centers and teaching hospitals will be added before the year is out in order to increase access across the country.

Read Also: Ex-President IBB Turns 84: Senator Kalu Leads Celebration

According to the presidential adviser, Tinubu also authorized free cesarean sections (C-sections) for expectant mothers in federal hospitals last year in an effort to lower the number of maternal fatalities.

According to Bwala, “these actions show the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda to ensure Nigerians are not denied healthcare because of cost.”

Dialysis, which frequently requires two to three treatments per week and is expensive for many families, is estimated by medical professionals to be necessary for tens of thousands of Nigerians with kidney-related diseases.

According to the government, the subsidy is anticipated to prevent patients from stopping treatment because of the expense while also saving lives.

The Senate Committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC) Chairman and former governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has congratulated former Military President General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (retd.) on his 84th birthday.
Kalu said in a statement on Sunday that the former head of state was a political father and mentor who influenced his political career.
He praised Babangida’s goal for a unified Nigeria, his leadership style, and his courage, emphasizing that his contributions to national integration, peace, and stability will never be forgotten.
In the political sphere, General Babangida is a unique leader whose wealth of knowledge and fatherly leadership have inspired me and many others. He stands out as a statesman of incalculable worth because of his persistent faith in the unity of our wonderful nation, Nigeria, and his capacity to develop future leaders, added Kalu.

Read Also: SERAP Seeks Investigation Over Claims of N3 Million Bribe-for-Bills in Parliament

Along with wishing the Minna-born elder statesman good health, peace of mind, and many more years of meaningful service, the Senate Chief Whip also prayed for him.

“I sincerely celebrate him on this unique occasion of his 84th birthday and pray that God continues to grant him good health, peace of mind, and many more years of fruitful service to humanity,” he continued.

As a symbol of hope, tenacity, and patriotism, Kalu urged Nigerians from all political and ethnic backgrounds to keep learning from Babangida’s extensive experience.

The leadership of the National Assembly has been urged by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to look into claims that MPs pay up to ₦3 million to deliver motions, bills, and petitions immediately.
In a statement released on Sunday, SERAP encouraged Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas and Senate President Godswill Akpabio to “refer the allegations to anti-corruption agencies for thorough investigation and prosecution of anyone found culpable.”
Additionally, the group urged parliamentarians to “publicly name anyone that may be involved in the alleged bribery and ensure the recovery of any proceeds of the crime.”
Ibrahim Auro, a representative for Jigawa (APC) in the House of Representatives, was the one who initially sounded the alert, and SERAP further called for his security.

Kolawole Oluwadare, the deputy director of SERAP, signed the open letter dated August 16, 2025, which stated: “The claims that lawmakers pay bribes to present motions, bills, and proposals at the National Assembly are a serious breach of the public trust and constitutional oath of office by lawmakers.”

Lawmakers shouldn’t be required to pay bribes in order to introduce laws and motions at the National Assembly, according to SERAP. The National Assembly’s operations and the performance of legislative tasks should never be impacted by bribery. These claims of quid pro quo for legislation have severely weakened the democratic rights of Nigerians.

The accusations that lawmakers are offering bribes of up to N3 million in exchange for submitting motions and bills, according to SERAP, “make a mockery of lawmaking and legislative powers under section 4 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended].”

Part of the open letter stated: “We would appreciate it if the suggested actions were carried out within seven days of this letter’s publication or receipt. SERAP will take appropriate legal measures to force you and the National Assembly to abide by our requests in the public interest if we don’t hear back from you before then.

“These claims have revealed the misuse of elected officials’ positions to deny Nigerians their democratic rights.”

“The public would have more faith in the National Assembly’s leadership’s ability to ensure accountability in the exercise of lawmakers’ constitutional and legislative functions if the allegations were referred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for investigation and prosecution.”

“By demonstrating strong and effective leadership in this matter, the National Assembly leadership can demonstrate to Nigerians that the legislative body is a legitimate and responsible watchdog that represents and safeguards the public interest and can hold itself accountable in cases of corruption, including bribery.”

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According to the United Nations Convention against Corruption, to which Nigeria is a state member, the accusations also constitute grave violations of the Nigerian Constitution, the nation’s anticorruption laws, and its international commitments.

According to article 33 of the UN Convention against Corruption, to which Nigeria is a state party, Ibrahim Auyo is protected as a whistleblower. Ibrahim Auyo’s public allegations regarding alleged bribes to introduce motions and proposals at the National Assembly have made him a whistleblower.

“SERAP is concerned about the ongoing accusations of corruption in the National Assembly and the criminal justice system’s culture of impunity.”

“Prosecution of suspected offenders and the investigation of claims that lawmakers spend between ₦1 million and ₦3 million to present bills, motions, and petitions would enhance accountability and transparency in the National Assembly and foster confidence in democratic institutions.”

“SERAP observes that the Nigerian Constitution’s Section 15(5) mandates that all corrupt activities and abuses of power be eradicated by public institutions, including the National Assembly.”

Additionally, Nigeria has vowed to prevent and fight corruption, including bribery, in accordance with the UN Convention against Corruption. These pledges should be properly honored and adhered to.

Abraham Auyo had claimed that the National Assembly’s motion and bill-presenting procedure is too costly. He claims that no one has presented him with a measure to pass since he was elected as a member in 2015. Furthermore, the petitions and laws are also funded.

“You must pay N3 million, N2 million, or N1 million to present it,” Abraham Auyo added. Additionally, after presenting the measure, you need to lobby all 360 members of the House to support it. The possibility of similar unreported claims of “bribes for bills” in the Senate worries SERAP.

Inconclusive results have been reported from the Zamfara State House of Assembly by-election for the Kaura-Namoda South Constituency by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) received 5,339 votes, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) received 6,999 votes, according to INEC, which announced the results at the Kasuwar Daji Collation Centre on Saturday, August 16, 2025.
With this, the APC now had a 1,660-vote edge.
According to a breakdown of the six wards’ results, the PDP won two while the APC led in four:

Kagara Ward: PDP 682, APC 783

Ward Saka Jiki: PDP 1,021, APC 359.

Banga Ward: PDP 1,466; APC 1,163

Ward of Kyanbarawa: APC 1,162, PDP 660

APC 983, PDP 1,580 Kurya Ward

Ward of Dan Isah: PDP 592, APC 1,887

Due to irregularities and the requirement for a rerun in two polling places in Saka Jiki Ward and three polling places in Kyanbarawa Ward, INEC declared the election inconclusive despite the APC’s lead.

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A new date for the supplemental poll to choose the final winner would be announced, the electoral body promised.